I do notice that some commercials are in HD, & some aren't, but how come the "network shows" promo/commercials always seem to be in SD, even when the show itself is an HD show.
Watching CBS HD , for example, it goes from, say, a high-def Yaris commercial , to 4:3 SD commercials for "Ghost Wisperer & Numbers".....
I've even seen SD 4:3 promos for the Sopranos on HBO HD between 2 HD shows.
Since some commercials are in HD, it isn't that all commercial feeds are SD.... Any thoughts??

In a nutshell, to produce the promos in HD, the networks need HD-capable edit rooms to produce their material. NBC airs some promos in HD, but right now, that's about it. I recall seeing some on CBS, but that might only been during the Super Bowl. FOX produces theirs is SD widescreen, which is often mistaken for HD.

I expect you will see this ramping up in the not too distant future. Heck, KCBS in L.A. is now producing and airing LOCAL promos in HD!